Compliance Officer

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Waitaki District Council is looking for a Compliance Officer to safeguard the district’s natural resources, with primary responsibility for monitoring and reporting on resource consents, conducting inspections and audits, investigating breaches and educating consent holders and the public, all within a supportive One Team culture that collaborates with iwi and local communities. To stand out, show a tertiary qualification in science related or resource management, a full NZ driver license, and at least three years’ experience in compliance and resource consent management, including familiarity with the Resource Management Act and Local Government Act and experience with consent databases and translating data into actionable insights. Emphasize clear communication, problem solving and resilience; tailor your cover letter with concrete regulatory outcomes, a concise CV, and references, apply online before 7 August 2026, and note pre-employment checks and the salary range of $74,139 to $87,223 depending on experience.

Come work with us! We're looking for a Compliance Officer to join our team following an internal career move within Council. This long-standing role plays an important part in helping us protect our natural environment and continue delivering the regulatory services our community relies on every day.

If you're looking for a job that's varied, rewarding and gives you the opportunity to make a real difference to the future of our district, we'd love to hear from you.

Discover a career with purpose at Waitaki District Council

We're here to support the 25,000 people who call Waitaki home. Our team works across everything from roads and water to parks, libraries, building and environmental services, animal management and much more.

Every day, we're working alongside our communities to keep the district running, protect what makes Waitaki special, and help make it an even better place to live.

We're proud of our One Team culture and work closely with iwi, local communities, businesses and other organisations to get the best outcomes for our district. If you're someone who enjoys working with people, solving problems and making a positive contribution to your community, you'll fit right in.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

As a Compliance Officer with Waitaki District Council, you’ll be at the forefront of protecting our district’s natural resources. Your work will ensure we meet our obligations under the Resource Management Act and other legislation, with a primary focus on monitoring and reporting on resource consents - both those issued by Council and those we hold ourselves.

What you’ll do:

• Conduct inspections and audits to check compliance with consent conditions.
• Investigate breaches and recommend or enforce remedial actions.
• Prepare clear, accurate reports for stakeholders and regulators.
• Maintain robust records and use specialist databases.
• Support internal teams to actively manage Council’s own consents.
• Educate consent holders and the public to improve environmental outcomes.

You’ll be part of a supportive team, working with a wide range of stakeholders and making a visible difference to the sustainability and wellbeing of our district. If you’re detail-focused, confident in applying legislation, and passionate about protecting the environment, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community.

He aha taau e kawe mai | What you’ll bring

Qualifications:

A tertiary qualification in a science related, resource management, or a relevant discipline, along with a full New Zealand driver licence.

Experience:

At least three years’ experience in compliance, monitoring, and reporting — ideally with a strong background in resource consent management. You’ll be familiar with the Resource Management Act, Local Government Act, and other relevant legislation, and confident applying it in practical settings. Experience working with consent databases and turning technical data into actionable insights is essential.

Skills and Attributes:

You’re a clear communicator who can explain complex requirements in plain language. You’re detail-oriented, politically aware, and solutions-focused, with the ability to navigate sensitive situations professionally. Your resilience, adaptability, and collaborative style will make you a valued member of our team and the community we serve.

We're always open to secondments from other Local Government employers and across the wider public service. So, if you are interested in this role on a fixed term secondment basis and have your home agency’s prior support, you’re welcome to contact us to discuss making this happen.

Mo tātou | About us

Waitaki District Council (WDC) is a dynamic and progressive local government organisation dedicated to serving the residents and communities of the Waitaki District. Our mission is to foster a thriving, innovative and sustainable community through effective governance, quality service delivery and a commitment to continuous improvement.

As a proud 2025 HRD Employer of Choice Excellence Awardee, we are recognised nationally for creating a workplace where our people feel supported, valued and empowered to make a difference. We are building a culture of collaboration, wellbeing and growth, where our people can do their best work for our district and for each other.

At WDC, we provide a wide range of essential services that contribute to the wellbeing and development of our communities, including:

• Infrastructure and Environment: Managing and maintaining roads, water supply, waste management and recreational facilities to meet the needs of our growing district.
• Community and Economic Development: Supporting local businesses, tourism and community initiatives to promote economic growth and enhance quality of life.
• Regulatory Services: Ensuring compliance with building, environmental and public health standards to create a safe and healthy environment for all.
• Customer and Community Engagement: Actively engaging with our community to understand their needs and deliver exceptional customer service across all channels.

We are committed to innovation, collaboration and service excellence, striving to be a leading council that makes Waitaki a great place to live, work and visit.

WDC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Research shows that women and people from minority groups may hesitate to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. If you are excited about this role and believe you can contribute to our work, we encourage you to apply.

Me pēhea te tono | How to Apply

If this position sounds like you, click apply now and submit a tailored Cover Letter and CV. Before confirmation of hire, pre-employment checks will be undertaken which may include references, credit check, drug and alcohol testing and police vetting prior to any written offer being made.

All applications must be submitted online and will not be accepted directly via email.

All applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.

Utu ā-tau | Salary

The salary for this position will commence between $74,139 and $87,223 dependent on skills and experience relevant to the role.

Applications close 7 August 2026

For any queries related to this position, please contact [email protected].